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Tuesday March 26th, 2024
In this month’s blog we’ve collated some of the most prestigious social events of the spring / summer season. And, following the Oscars earlier this month, we look at the link between independent schools and successful young actors.
Earlier this month, actors, directors, cinematographers, screenwriters and more gathered in Hollywood for the 96th Academy Awards, aka The Oscars. Among the British nominees were many independently educated actors, including Carey Mulligan and Emily Blunt.
Carey – nominated in the Best Actress category for her performance as Felicia Montealegre in Maestro, a biopic about the legendary composer Leonard Bernstein – attended Woldingham School for girls. And Emily– a nominee in the Best Supporting Actress category for her role as Kitty Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster – studied initially at Ibstock Place and later atHurtwood House in Surrey.
Billed as ‘the most exciting school in England’, Hurtwood House is renowned for combining creativity with academic excellence. It has the largest and most professional theatre department of any school in the country. And its spectacular range of performance opportunities – within and beyond its A Level Theatre Studies course – are all run to professional standards, not least because the teachers tend to be former West End stars and media professionals.
Emily, after being ‘spotted’ in Hurtwood’s production of ‘Bliss’ at the Edinburgh Fringe, was cast in her career-changing role in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ just two years later.
Carey’s alma mater, Woldingham School, also in Surrey, is one of the UK’s oldest girls’ schools. Its supportive, stimulating, single-sex environment encourages students to be themselves, developing the resilience and self-worth to succeed in life. The school’s Millennium Centre features a 630-seater acoustically designed auditorium with an orchestra pit and fully computerised sound and lighting system. All pupils take drama lessons in Years 7-9; drama is a popular GCSE and A Level choice, and everyone is encouraged to be involved in theatre productions as an important part of their academic and personal development.
It’s no coincidence that although 95% of the British population is educated in state schools, most actors we know attended private schools. That’s obviously a generalisation – with some very successful household names of the stage and screen studying in state schools. But the incomparable opportunities that independent schools can give their students – as well as the character-defining confidence and sense of self-worth – can give young people the self-belief and resilience they need to survive and shine in the acting industry. The UK’s independent schools can boast the best in facilities, opportunities and teaching expertise to develop our young people’s acting and other art-related talents alongside their academic prowess.
The Gemini Boat Race Saturday 30th March 2024 BBC coverage starts at 2pm
Women’s race: 14:46
Men’s race: 15:46
We’ve time to squeeze in one big March event: the Oxford-Cambridge boat race. Oxbridge rivals will race over a four-mile stretch of the River Thames between Putney and Mortlake. This annual tradition showcases some immense talent from around the world, with crews comprising Oxford and Cambridge university undergraduates and post-graduates. Check http://theboatrace.org for the full timetable and spectator information.
The Grand National–AintreeRacecourse, Liverpool
Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April 2024
More than simply the ‘world’s greatest steeplechase’ – the Grand National isan iconic fixture in the British sport, style and culture calendar. It’s watched the whole world over, with millions tuning in to the main event (on Saturday), as well as enjoying top-class racing and live entertainment on opening day (Thursday) and Ladies Day (Friday).
– MAY –
Badminton Horse Trials
Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th May 2024
Wednesday 8th – Sunday 12th 2024
Still on the equestrian theme, Badminton Horse Trials form part of the Grand Slam of Eventing, often featuring and frequented by members of the Royal family. With a 75-year heritage and set in a stunning Cotswolds location, it features dressage, cross country, show jumping, as well as the impressive ‘shopping village’ boasting more than 500 retailers selling top equestrian, food, fashion and lifestyle brands. Read more at: https://www.badminton-horse.co.uk/– you’ve got until 31st March to secure an early bird discount on your tickets!
Goodwood Cricket Club vs Cricketers Club of London
Sunday 12th May
Watch some of the finest club-level cricket on sunny summer Sundays. Kicking off the season’s series of matches is this fixture at the beautiful Goodwood Estate in West Sussex. See the whole series at: www.pitchero.com/clubs/cricketerscluboflondon/2024/5
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
23rd March until 21st September 2024
This award-winning series of theatrical events has become a London landmark, synonymous with summer in the city. Enjoy performances ranging from kids’ favourites Bear Snores Onand The Enormous Crocodile to family classics like this adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s story about “the magic of nature and the nature of magic”; the popular musical, as relevant as ever, Fiddler on the Roof, as well as Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night – all in the beautiful surroundings of a Royal Park.Read more and buy tickets at http://openairtheatre.com
Chelsea Flower Show
Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th May 2024
The world-renowned RHS Chelsea Flower Show offers impressive garden designs, gorgeous floral displays and exclusive shopping opportunities. It’s a glamorous and quintessentially British insight into everything and anything to do with gardens,plants and their positive impact on people. This upliftingevent attracts notable guests for its five-day duration.Why not be one of them? Find out more at:http://www.rhs.org.uk/chelsea
Cartier Queen’s Cup Tournament 2024
Tuesday 21st May until Sunday 16th June
The Club’s flagship tournament, this event showcases some of the world’s top polo players and ponies. Its semi-finals (12thJune) and finals (16thJune) are open to non-members. See more at https://www.guardspoloclub.com/ and search their calendar of tournaments.
Chesterton’s Polo in the Park Friday 7th to Sunday 9th June 2024
With international day, ladies’ day, plus families’ and finals day – Polo in the Park offers something for everyone. As well as the world’s finest polo, there’s luxury shopping and dining for the grown-ups plus storytelling, bouncy castles, face-painting and soft play for the tiny ones. Older kids can stretch their legs and hone their skills with Chelsea Football Club, Hammersmith & Fulham Rugby Club, and La Mariposa Park Polo Clubhosting sports sessions on the field. Find out more and book tickets at: http://www.polointheparklondon.com
Nevill Holt Festival, Market Harborough, Leicestershire
1st – 26th June 2024
Described as a ‘feast for the senses and perfect for opera lovers of all ages’ the Nevill Holt Festival builds on a decade of opera performances to add classical music, theatre, art, jazz and contemporary music to its repertoire this June, alongside conversations with leading novelists, historians, broadcasters and artists. Enjoy music, art and theatre in stunning gardens designed by Chelsea gold medal winner Rupert Golby, studded with modern sculpture and providing panoramic views over three counties. Read more and book tickets at: www.nevillholtfestival.com
Royal Ascot
Tuesday 18th to Saturday 22nd June 2024
Featuring on the fashion calendar and the social scene as well as the racing diaries of world-class horses and jockeys, Royal Ascot is a magical experience with a very British heritage.Each enclosure – and every season – has a different dress code! Find out more and book your tickets before midnight 29thMarch to secure an early booking discount at: https://www.ascot.com
Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic, The Hurlingham Club Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th June 2024
Celebrating timeless elegance and quintessentially British traditions, enjoy world-class tennis at this hidden gem of a sports and social club in Fulham, London.Watch the world’s tennis stars prepare for Wimbledon alongside London’s high society and celebrities. Visit https://www.giorgioarmanitennisclassic.com/for more details.
Wimbledon Monday 1st to Sunday 14th July 2024
The oldest tennis tournament in the world, Wimbledonis regarded by many top-class players as one of the most prestigious tennis titles to win. Celebrities flock to this event, which also attracts members of the Royal family. Find out more at www.wimbledon.com
Henley Royal Regatta Tuesday 2ndto Sunday 7th July 2024
With a proud heritage dating back to 1839, this event brings a party atmosphere to the pretty Oxfordshire town of Henley-on-Thames with its pop-up bars and posh picnicking. The world-famous event often features Olympic rowers alongside crews making their debut, with more than 300 races over the six-day event.Visit https://www.hrr.co.uk/ for more info. Tickets go on sale mid-April.
Barclaycard’s British Summer Time at Hyde Park From late June until mid-July, world-class bands and singers from all over the world will entertain you at this summertime festival in the capital’s grandest green space. From classical to country, pop, rock, hip-hop and soul, seasoned superstars (think Steve Nicks and Kylie) to groundbreaking acts and artists making their debut headline performance (for example South Korea’s Stray Kids), BST has it all. Plus, a free-of-charge midweek programme called Open House, featuring free activities and entertainment.Visit www.bst-hydepark.comfor more details.
British Grand Prix, Silverstone Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July 2024
Get up to speed with all that’s going on at Silverstone over the summer season – including the British Grand Prix at the start of July. Visit: http://www.silverstone.co.uk
Goodwood Festival of Speed Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th July 2024
Goodwood plays host to several flagship events during the season, including this world-famous celebration of motorsport and car culture. Held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House in West Sussex, the Festival of Speed is described as ‘motorsport’s ultimate summer garden party’.
Glorious Goodwood Tuesday 30th July to Saturday 3rd August 2024
From horsepower to real horse power! This world-famous five-day festival, officially the Qatar Goodwood Festival but affectionately dubbed ‘Glorious Goodwood’, is a highlight of the British flat racing season. Spectacular sport, unrivalled style and a top-class social occasion for the summer season against a stunning backdrop. See www.goodwood.com for the full season’s schedule.
The Open Sunday 14thto Sunday 21st July 2024
Taking place this year at the Royal Troon Golf Club in south Ayrshire, Scotland, the Open showcases some of the best golf in the world. Dubbed ‘Golf’s Greatest Championship’, the world-famous event gives you the chance to enjoy stunning scenery from the club’s old course first founded in 1878. Find out more at: www.theopen.com
If you’d like to find out more, please drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.
Until next time…
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“ REGENCY EDUCATION WAS ABLE TO HELP US WITH EVERY STEP OF THE APPLICATION PROCESS ENSURING THE EDUCATIONAL SUCCESS OF OUR CHILDREN - AN INVALUABLE SERVICE. ”
